The Maritime Authority of Panama has announced the cancellation of the 107 ship records on which international sanctions flagged by the United States weighed, which has denounced the permissiveness of the Panamanian government with the passage of ships that transport loads, particular oil, for admonished countries such as Russia, Iran or Venezuela.
The decision affects these ships for being “in warning lists of the United States Foreign Assets Control Office” as well as “of the European Union and the United Kingdom”, according to the statement published by the Maritime Authority on its website.
“This measure ensures that no ship or owner linked to illegal activities operates under Panamanian pavilion, at the same time respecting the registration of naval mortgages and the legal rights of the parties involved,” adds the Panamanian authority, before pointing out that another 18 ships are “in the process of cancellation.”
The authority adds that it has begun to strengthen its technological systems “to identify boats with possible links with illegal activities” and that the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine is carrying out “a review of its national legislation” with the objective of “ensuring rigorous monitoring aligned with international agreements.”
“With these measures, Panama reaffirms its commitment to transparency, security and the fight against the improper use of its pavilion in illegal activities, consolidating itself as a reference in the international maritime industry,” concludes the statement.